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The Cambridge Health Department and Police Department are encouraging residents to drop off unwanted or unused medications at the police department’s 24/7 collection kiosk in recognition of National Drug Take Back Day this weekend.
National Drug Take Back Day is recognized this year on Saturday, Oct. 23. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiative is a biannual, free, no-questions-asked event that gives communities the opportunity to aid in the fight against substance use disorder by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unwanted or unused medications.
Cambridge residents can drop off unwanted medications year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the Cambridge Police Department, which is located at 125 6th Street in East Cambridge near the Kendall Square T Station, where the medications will then be safely disposed of.
At the kiosk, residents are able to drop off prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, pet medications, sample medications and liquid medicines (must be in glass or leak-proof container).
“We encourage residents to utilize the collection kiosk in the police station as a safe way to dispose of expired, unwanted or unused medications,” Police Commissioner Christine Elow said. “Turning in medications takes away the potential for misuse, ensures potentially dangerous drugs will not be circulating in our community and eliminates the chance for the medications to be used by anyone they are not intended for.”
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2019 alone an estimated 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.
Community members are reminded that a mask mandate is currently in effect in the City of Cambridge and requires all individuals over the age of two to wear a face covering in all indoor public spaces except where an individual is unable to tolerate a face covering due to a medical condition or disability. Residents who wish to dispose of medication at the police station kiosk must wear a mask while inside.
Learn more at https://www.cambridgepublichealth.org/lifestyle/medication-needle-disposal/medication-disposal.php